Assess the Situation

1. Check for Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
2. Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive, call 911 immediately or ask someone else to do so.
3. Check for Breathing and Pulse: Quickly check to see if the person is breathing normally and if they have a pulse.

Basic Steps for CPR

1. Place Your Hands: Put the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, and put your other hand on top of the first hand. Interlace your fingers.
2. Position Yourself: Make sure you are positioned so that your shoulders are directly over your hands, and you can use your body weight to administer compressions.
3. Perform Chest Compressions: Use your body weight to compress the chest downwards at least 2 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
4. Open the Airway: After 30 compressions, open the person’s airway by tilting their head back and lifting their chin up.
5. Check for Breathing: Quickly check to see if the person has started breathing. If not, proceed to give rescue breaths.
6. Give Rescue Breaths: Pinch the person’s nose closed and cover their mouth with yours to create an airtight seal. Give two breaths, making the chest visibly rise.
7. Continue the Cycle: Continue with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths until emergency medical help arrives or the person starts breathing.

For the most effective CPR, you should take a certified CPR course where you can practice these techniques under professional supervision.

In the case of a heart attack where the person is conscious and breathing, CPR may not be appropriate. Instead, professional medical attention should be sought immediately for treatment options like medication or surgical intervention.